Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany

Photo courtesy of Dr. James Bowns, Southern Utah University

Common Name(s):

Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany

Scientific Name:

Cercocarpus intricatus S. Wats.

Scientific Name Synonyms:

None known

Symbol:

CEIN7

Description:

Life Span: Perennial

Origin: Native

Season: Evergreen

Growth Characteristics: A shrubby, intricately-branching species, reaching heights of up to 7 feet tall.

Flowers/Inflorescence: Flowers are either solitary or in clusters of 2 to 3 flowers on short spur branchlets. They are tube-shaped, greenish-yellow in color, and lack petals.

Fruits/Seeds: Fruit is a plumed, spiral achene.

Leaves: Leaves are rolled under (revolute) like curlleaf mountain mahogany, also long, narrow, and almost needle-like.

Stems: Much branched.

Ecological Adaptations:

Littleleaf mountain mahogany is found in the dry regions of the state, at elevations between 4,000 and 8,500 feet. It is especially prevalent in southern Utah.

Soils: Most abundant on well-drained soils. Often found on rocky soils and slickrock.

Associated Species: Utah serviceberry, singleleaf ash, bigelow sagebrush.

Uses and Management:

Littleleaf mountain mahogany is valuable browse for wildlife and domestic livestock.